Safe and Fun Retirement Home in Kingston

Kari Purvis is thrilled to win her first workplace award at 42 years old.

Speaking from Helen Henderson Care Centre where she works as a Housekeeper, the Yarker woman smiles at the news she is the home’s Employee of the Month for April 2021.

“I love it,” she says with a smile about her job. “This is what I was meant to be. I’ve been a cleaner all of my life, but I feel like I fit here.”

When she was younger, Kari was close to becoming a Personal Support Worker when she realized it wasn’t what she wanted to do with her life. She switched directions and started a career in cleaning and cabinet building.

After spending six years out west, she returned to Kingston early last year to be closer to family. It was one of the best decisions of her life.

“I learned a lot and met a lot of nice people,” she says about her time in western Canada. “But home is where my heart is. I don’t have a big family so it’s nice to be close to them.”

She quickly accepted a job at Helen Henderson Care Centre where she was worked for the past year. She joined the home in April 2020 as a temporary Universal Worker to help residents and staff through the COVID-19 pandemic. She was offered a job as a housecleaner a few months after arriving at the home.

“I love this job,” she says kindly. “I couldn’t picture myself being a PSW now. I love learning about the residents and interacting with them.”
When she’s not at work, Kari likes to spend time with family, ride her bike and walk.

She describes herself as outgoing, friendly, generous, kind and easy going.

“Kari is an excellent addition to our housekeeping team,” says Tim Keyes, Environmental Services Manager. “She does a great job and is always willing to pick up extra shifts when needed.”